This Isn't A Rock Concert... Manners Matter!
How many times have you been at a classical or contemporary music concert only to have your enjoyment of the performance damaged by the poor manners of someone sitting nearby? In today's world of pop music such outbursts are not a problem. More to the point they simply go with the genre. In a classical or other low-intensity concert however, talking and moving around are a big distraction to those around you. When attending such a concert keep these seven simple rules in mind.
1.Enter and exit your seat only between selections. If possible, wait until the audience is applauding before moving. The only exception to this is if you need to remove a restless or crying child.
2.Don't talk during a performance. If you must talk to your neighbor always whisper directly into their ear so that those around you cannot hear your comments.
3.Cell phones off or on vibrate please!
4.If your performance venue allows you to eat in the auditorium, do not unwrap candy or slurp soda while the musicians are playing.
5.It is customary to applaud when the conductor first comes out on the stage. He or she will bow to acknowledge the audience's applause and the concert will begin.
6.Some classical pieces of music are broken down into parts called "movements." In between these movements the music will stop for a few seconds. Do not applaud until the conductor has dropped his hands and has turned around to acknowledge the audience.
7.Whistling, yelling, or otherwise congratulating the performers is generally not appropriate for classical music concerts.
For information on how to teach good manners and proper concert etiquette to your students please see my article on the subject here at Suite101.
